Implications from common themes underscore the need to redefine and expand the purposes of professional education and to consider experiential learning programmatically in relation to these purposes. Other implications relating to program design and to how we view and manage the process of learning are summarized. (Author/MLW)

Development of college and university degree programs based entirely on workplace learning is increasing and is characterized by responsiveness to employee educational needs, employer demand, restricted government funding for higher education, and institutions' need to appeal to wider markets. These newer approaches cause considerable tension in…

The utility of field experience education for furthering cognitive development is examined through an anaylsis of the psychological and sociological dynamics of the specific field program design. Outcomes are identified and related to existing theories of cognitive development. (Author/LBH)

The programs of sponsored experiential learning can improve their bargaining position within the institution by practicing and demonstrating cost-effective forms of operation. Effective sponsored experiential learning programs can actually increase the cost-effectiveness of the host institution. (MLW)

The off-campus term program (OCT) of the University of South Florida is described. The OCT represents a model of centralized, comprehensive experiential education. The methods and systems used are described as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the OCT centralized model. (Author/SF)

Nineteen high school students in an experimental self-directed learning class were interviewed about their out-of-school learning projects: number completed per year; time spent; subject(s) studied; setting (individual or group); preferred project method; and motivation (desire for credit or other reason). (SJL)

The application of structural-developmental theory to experiential education practice is discussed. The theory is based on the concept of stages, which are structurally whole, internally consistent systems of thought that organize the individual's understanding of, feelings toward, and actions on the world. Stage theory presents the image of an…

A survey of 335 registered Ohio pharmacists concerning specialized continuing education investigated practitioner interest in 28 specific course topics, perceived importance of certain program attributes (e.g., academic credit, instructional format, experiential components), and preferences for seasons, days, and hours of course offering.…

Two models for public administration field experience programs are outlined, both designed to connect management theory to practice through observation and peer interaction. In the first, student teams observe and report daily operations of an organization; in the second, teams observe, report, and also serve as organizational consultants. Both…

An annotated bibliography on the state of research in experiential learning covers sponsored field study, internships, or cooperative type placements at the postsecondary level. In addition to 4 studies in progress, 23 empirical research projects are described that concern program evaluation, developmental changes in students, program design, and…

A panel of 8 professionals in the field of wilderness adventure programming reviewed, evaluated, and commented on a list of 53 skill, technical, human relations, and philosophical understanding competencies and 46 personal and professional qualities derived from a literature search of 136 sources in a study to determine accepted minimum skill…

A survey of 54 pharmacy schools' experiential learning programs found that most either were reviewing or had adopted nationally recognized competencies into their experiential programs, but a third had made no such effort. Almost all used a formative or interim evaluation process and a student performance evaluation process, some with written…

Details evolution of a Boston University (Massachusetts) dental school program providing field experience in private practices, community health centers, hospital-based ambulatory health centers, health maintenance organizations, and the school's predoctoral treatment centers. Issues discussed include integration of classroom and field learning,…

Discussion of the growing use of practicums and field experience in college programs as a means of preparing students for the world of work looks at ways in which the practicum is conceptualized, implemented, and evaluated. Shortcomings are identified, research into the role of supervision is recommended, appropriate learning objectives are…

Designed to provide some guidelines for instructors developing a course on Survival Education, this project outline may be used as an actual pattern for course design; also, the administrator/supervisor may utilize this as an evaluative tool for examining other similar course presentations. Because a contemporary survival course must take into…